Coreopsis in late afternoon sun.
Hi Friends,
It’s been one of those weeks where everything is frustrating and disappointing. The extra strong thread keeps jamming in the sewing machine. All of my paintings turn out dark. The takeout wasn’t good. The movie in the theater was boring. My head hurts and my shoulders ache.
But then I have to stop, take a breath, and remind myself of the good things. I’m still alive. The sun is shining. My cats are all healthy. I can see, feel and sort of hear. There’s food in the refrigerator. I have a roof over my head. And there’s a beautiful black raven hanging out in my backyard eating the leftover takeout food which he doesn’t find disappointing at all!
Maybe things are OK. Maybe the disappointments and frustrations are insignificant. Maybe I can let all of that go and enjoy what’s left of the evening.
I’ll share a few of my dark paintings with you. I’m not sure why my paintings have turned out dark lately. I do like black, and I’m drawn to the dark sumi ink colors. But I seem to be going a bit overboard with it. Some paintings turn out almost solid black!
These are all 5.5 x 8 inches and mixed media on watercolor paper. I use collage, crayons, India ink, sumi inks, graphite, white chalk, watercolors, acrylics, and even stitching on the last piece.
They’re intended to be studies, so maybe it’s OK that they’re dark. Maybe darkness is what I’m studying right now!
Where does darkness enter your life, and how do you deal with it? I’d enjoy hearing your thoughts. You can share them with us here.
With love and appreciation,
Cassandra
Well, I have to say….i really like the dark paintings. I personally have a lot of black in my house. Kinda by accident. It’s a great contrast to my go to normal. It is different enough to motivate me. So, I say…..if your in a dark place, let it shine!
Thank you, Kim! I so appreciate your support and encouragement. I have a lot of black in my house, too, and I love it. My walls are gray, and that color really lets the art stand out. I find black and gray restful. Bright colors are too much stimulation for me. If I want brightness I can look outside.